IPL 2025: CSK slump to fifth straight loss as KKR dominate at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025, going down to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets at their home ground, Chepauk. The loss marks CSK’s lowest ever total at the venue and their first five-match losing streak in IPL history.

Batting first, CSK could only manage 103 for 9, a total that proved far too easy for KKR to chase. Sunil Narine starred with the ball, taking 3 for 13, while Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali backed him up superbly. The spin trio picked up six wickets between them and completely choked CSK’s batting lineup.

Chennai's innings never got going. Early wickets in the powerplay saw them stumble to 31 for 2, and from there, it only got worse. Key batters like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra fell cheaply, and although Shivam Dube top-scored with 31, the rest of the middle order failed to offer any resistance. MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy also didn’t change their fortunes — he was dismissed lbw in a decision that stirred some controversy, as UltraEdge hinted at a possible edge.

CSK went 63 balls without hitting a boundary, highlighting just how much pressure the KKR bowlers applied. They ended up hitting only three boundaries after the eighth over.

Defending 103 was always going to be tough, and KKR made it look easy. They scored 71 runs in the powerplay and chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, finishing on 107 for 2. Narine also shone with the bat, scoring a quick 44, helping KKR seal a comprehensive victory.

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar summed it up best, saying, “CSK are in tatters at the moment.” 

With this comprehensive win, KKR moved to the third of the IPL 2025 standings with six points in as many matches. Meanwhile, CSK remain in ninth place with two points from six games.